Patients with atopic dermatitis and healthy controls were exposed to house dust mite allergens and/or to volatile organic compounds (VOC) while their influence on skin functionality, allergic reactivity and individual well-being was measured. The results indicate that exposure to airborne VOCs leads to impairment of skin barrier in all subjects. Furthermore VOC exposition enhances the negative effect of house dust mite allergen on the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis.